December 14, 2006 at 8:20 pm
I am an intern and I just got tasked with writing a research paper on whether the ARMY LUH UH-72A, UH-145, EC-145 (whatever you want to call it) can be armed and thus “merge” with the requirements for the ARMY ARH. I don’t think it’s a strange concept that the Key Performance Parameters (KPPs) of both programs could be satisfied with one airframe, under the assumption that you mount Hellfire missiles, 7-shot rocket pods, and .50cal machine gun on the EADS EUROCOPTER UH-72A platform. Can that be done? If so what steps would have to be taken?
I started my googling yesterday and was trying to look up the history behind how an unarmed platform like the original BO-105 becomes an armed platform BO-105P/PAH and then evolves to BK-117 and then to EC-145 (if this is an incorrect sequence please let me know). Is this the “right” path to conducting research? Can you recommend an alternate path that will lead me to some relevant hits?
I do not have a security clearance (yet) and cannot access .mil websites but any unclassified websites that are relevant would be MUCH APPRECIATED. I am looking for a range of help/answers but do not want responses that address the bureaucracy behind why these programs are separated. I am not interested in the politics; only the ability to arm the LUH.